African art Beautiful Unique Tribal Doll Kwere Tanzania - eBay, International, Dolls, Dolls, Bears. (end time 22-Dec-09 18:08:01 AEDST)

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Mwana Hiti Fertility doll, Kwere People, Tanzania

This gorgeous little stylised little doll is hand carved from wood in the traditional Kwere style, has a worn darkened patina and is in good condition with a tiny hairline crack on the base. It was collected in 2000, measures 21 x 4 x 4.5cm and is supplied with stand (see pictures). Shipping weight is 1kg

There are many varied forms of dolls produced by the multitude of tribes that occupy Tanzania. Some of the better known ones are produced by the Kwere on the coast and the Sukuma and Nyamwezi, inland near Akua the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Across Tanzania these dolls are known as mwana hiti [literally ‘daughter of the stool’, implying that the girl is the figurative daughter of the chief and about to become a woman of the tribe]. Children play with new dolls.
Young women ready for initiation are given a doll by an important older woman in her family. This doll may be an heirloom passed down through generations or it may be new. The doll is dressed by the young girl with beads and other adornment. The doll acts as a teaching aid prior to initiation, acting as a surrogate husband and or child. Once the girl has been initiated, should she have trouble conceiving, the doll may be brought out again to act as an aid to fertility. Mostly the dolls follow a similar configuration, a simple trunk, without arms or legs, a head, breasts and a belly button. The dolls of the Kwere are a perfect example of this style. So great is the importance of the mwana hiti to the tribe that similar images adorn items such as; diviner’s staffs, herbalist’s medicine gourds and many other both spiritual and utilitarian objects.
Even before the advent of civilization, humans have made images of themselves from material found in their environment, either as drawing on cave walls or as figurines made of wood or clay. These dolls or idols were used as religious or magical icons.
Today, dolls are defined as a three dimensional figure representing a human being, usually a child.
In Western culture the current definition of a doll is quite narrow, a plaything for a child. This has not always been the case; in Renaissance Italy a doll was often listed as part of the bride’s dowry. The woman was encouraged to bathe, feed and nurture the doll in the hope that she would bear a pleasing, healthy child. While in France when a community bedded a couple on their wedding night it presented them with a doll representing their future children. This shows that it is not only African cultures that used their dolls for ritual and play; similar examples exist for many cultures worldwide.
Across Africa dolls have played an important part in the everyday life of both children and adults. From dolls that fit our current western definition as simple child objects for play to ritual uses such as ancestor figures used to represent deceased loved ones. These dolls are used to thank the gods for good health, wealth, good harvests, and to encourage fertility. There is a doll for each cycle of life, birth initiation, marriage and death.
The materials used for dolls are as varied as their uses: wood, metal, clay, palm fronds, maize husks, textiles and rags, hair and a plentitude of others SIDEWALK TRIBAL GALLERIES Sydney & Hobart NEWSLETTER ISSUE FOUR, 2005

All of our African art has been fumigated and passed Australian Customs and Quarantine inspection on arrival in Australia.
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Please note: Our collection is also for sale from our retail galleries. It may be necessary to withdraw them from Auction at any time if sold.
This item is made by hand, may be old and used. Wear and imperfections are expected. It is described to the best of our ability and any damage will be visible in the images. If you are unsure of the item condition please email for further images or detail before bidding.

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Since its inception in 1989 Sidewalk Gallery has become a renowned Tribal Arts Gallery. Specialising in Antique & Traditional African Sculpture representing more than 85 separate cultures collected from 26 countries across Africa.

Ethnic jewellery and other items of adornment , both antique & contemporary, from every continent continues to astound all who enter the gallery.
The collection is spectacular.

On 30-May-07 at 21:09:36 AEST, seller added the following information:

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Questions and answers about this item


	Q: greetings, i know you have mentioned that this could be new or old, but could you please give a guess as to how old it is? thanks, sharon A: Hi again Sharon, Sorry I cannot send you a copy of the doc mentioned. I do not have your address. You can see a link to it on the ebay listing. "How old are these artefacts" Good luck, ann	29 Oct, 2009
	Q: greetings, i know you have mentioned that this could be new or old, but could you please give a guess as to how old it is? thanks, sharon A: Hello Sharon, Thank you for your interest. I guess that this little doll is probably 20 - 30 years old. It does not show signs of extended use. Is is however a genuine piece purchased in the region of the villages and I do... Continue reading	29 Oct, 2009

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Item location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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